How to make a Paloma

An introduction to this refreshing tequila long drink.


While the rest of the world has been mixing tequila into Margaritas of varying quality, in Mexico - and Jalisco in particular - they have long favoured a simple long drink with grapefruit soda Squirt as the mixer.

The Paloma, meaning 'dove' in Spanish, has been gaining ground further afield in recent years, increasingly finding itself on cocktail lists around the world. 

Most contemporary versions feature a squeeze of lime juice, with many adding salt, and there's a growing number of premium grapefruit mixers to choose from. It's not uncommon to find classier examples made with fresh grapefruit juice either.


RECIPE from The PDT Cocktail Book

  • 60ml Reposado Tequila
  • 15ml lime juice
  • 60ml grapefruit soda

Method: Build in a chilled salt-rimmed Collins glass, then add ice, top with the soda and and garnish with a half grapefruit wheel.